Guidance for healthcare professionals

In the UK, 37% of adults experience sleep problems at some point in their lives, including difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, or not feeling rested in the morning. 

Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration and overall wellbeing, making it a significant concern for those who suffer from it.

Sominex is a night-time sleep aid, for the correction of temporary disturbances of sleep pattern where there is difficulty in going to sleep or staying asleep.

Each tablet contains promethazine hydrochloride, an antihistamine which has a sedative effect.

Sleep problems are common and can be triggered by a range of factors.

Stress, anxiety and depression are among the most common causes of insomnia, alongside lifestyle and environmental factors such as caffeine or alcohol consumption, shift work, noise and an unsuitable sleep environment.

Pharmacy teams have an important role in supporting self-care for sleep problems, providing advice on sleep habits and lifestyle measures, helping patients consider whether an OTC sleep aid may be appropriate and signposting those with persistent or more complex symptoms to further support.

Key product features

Active ingredient: Promethazine Hydrochloride EP 20mg/tab

Target indication: As a night-time sleep aid, for the correction of temporary disturbances of sleep pattern where there is difficulty in going to sleep or staying asleep, caused for example by specific dislocation of normal routine.

Posology: One tablet at bedtime. May be taken up to one hour after going to bed when sleep is difficult to achieve.

Age suitability: Adults aged 16+

 

Product availability

Sominex is available over the counter and does not require a prescription, making it a convenient first-line option for patients presenting with sleep problems.

 

Pharmacy Training

View resource

 

Product Information Leaflet (PIL)

Download PIL

 

Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

Download resource

 

Find Out How Sominex Compares to Competitors

Download the Resource

 

In-store POS and consumer leaflets

We offer pharmacy support materials to help drive awareness and educate consumers about managing sleeplessness:

  • Eye-catching POS displays such as shelf edgers and talkers can encourage conversations around sleep health and help customers to identify a potential solution.

 

  • Easy to read take-home resources such as information leaflets help explain the causes of occasional sleeplessness, advice on implementing better sleep hygiene and how Sominex can help to correct temporary disturbances of sleep. These materials are designed to empower customers and support your advice at the counter.

 

Training, help & advice for your team

While occasional sleeplessness is common, for many it can significantly affect their quality of life, impacting mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

Pharmacy is often the first place people turn to for practical advice and effective solutions.

Sleep disturbances can be triggered by a variety of factors including stress, travel, shift work and changes in routine. Understanding these underlying causes can help to offer the right support and guidance.

To help pharmacy teams feel confident in advising on sleep health and the role of Sominex, we’ve partnered with a trusted pharmacy training provider to deliver expert insights, symptom awareness, and clear patient guidance – all designed to support safe and effective self-care.

 

Get in touch

Dexcel Pharma Ltd.
Dexcel Pharma Limited, 2nd Floor, Bourn,
1 Manor House Drive, Coventry, CV1 2FX, UK.
T. +44 (0)2475 200 300
E. office@dexcel.com

Reporting Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

For adverse event reporting please call: 01748 828 784. This will connect you with our medical information department, where a member of our team will be available to help you. Alternatively, please fill out our contact form and a members of our team will be in touch.

Essential Product Information Sominex (Promethazine). Product Authorisation Holder: Dexcel®-Pharma Ltd, 2nd Floor, Bourn, 1 Manor House Drive, Coventry, CV1 2FX, UK. Legal classification: P. Ingredients: Promethazine hydrochloride EP 20mg/ta. Indications: Night time sleep aid. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: https://www.medicines. org.uk/emc/product/15888/smpc.